Super Falcons come from behind to crush Australian World Cup hopes

Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday came from a goal down to hand FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host Australia a crushing 3-2 defeat at the Lang Park Stadium in Brisbane.

Emily van Egmond had put the Matildas in front in the first minute of first half added time. Live betting But just when it seemed like the Aussies were going to go into the break ahead, Uchenna Kalu restored parity for the Nigerians in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time.

Osinachi Ohale then put the Super Falcons in front on 65 minutes before Asisat Oshoala, who came into the fray as a 64th minute substitute, online sports betting capitalised on a mix-up in the Matildas’ backline to make it 3-1 for the Super Falcons.

Alanna Kennedy then pulled one back for Australia in the 10th minute of second half stoppage time but it was too little too late for the World Cup co-host.

Randy Waldrum, Head Coach of Nigeria, speaks to players in the huddle prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia. (Photo: FIFA)

It was the first time in World Cup history that Africa’s most successful national team would be coming from behind to win a game at women’s football biggest stage.

The Super Falcons now need only a draw to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds, while Australia will need to beat Canada to advance.

The 90th minute introduction of Onome Ebi during Thursday’s encounter meant that the 40-year-old Nigerian defender became the second oldest player to appear at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s defender Onome Ebi (L) and teammate Osinachi Ohale celebrate teh Super Falcons’ victory after the end of the encounter against Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup . (Photo: Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

The oldest player is Brazil’s Formiga, who lined up against France in 2019 aged 41 years 112 days.

Ebi, however, became the first African footballer, male or female, to play in six FIFA World Cup tournaments. She made her debut World Cup appearance back in 2003, betting tips today and has gone on to feature in every subsequent Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and the ongoing 2023 tournament.

She is joint second on the tournament appearance list behind Formiga, who featured in seven FIFA World Cup tournaments, from 1995 to 2019. Brazil’s Martha and Canada’s Christine Sinclair, like Ebi, bet of the day also made their World Cup debuts in 2003 and are currently part of their respective national team’s squad for the ongoing tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The other player to have made six World Cup tournament appearances is former Japan international sports betting app Homare Sawa.